Research Associate

Beck's Hybrids; Salina (KS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits (two medical plan 옵션)

Company HSA contributions

Dental

Vision

Employer paid life/AD&D for you and9n

Disability insurance

Onsite Nurse Practitioner

401k match

Company sponsored pension plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Wellness programs

Corporate discounts

Company Christmas Party

Free lunch

Merchandise allowance

Job summary

Beck's Hybrids in Salina, KS is seeking an intermediate level Research Department team member to support mini-strip and replicated testing. You will coordinate plots, prepare seed, plant, collect data, and maintain plots under supervision.

The role requires basic agriculture knowledge, ability to work with cooperators, and to supervise interns and staff as needed. Travel and physical effort are part of the job; benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• Intermediate level position requiring some basic agriculture and field research knowledge.
• Strong ability to assist with mini-strip and replicated testing and plot maintenance.
• Good verbal and written communication; capable of working with team members and cooperators.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate plot locations and logistics with plot cooperators.
• Prepare seed for mini-strip and replicated testing.
• Plant mini-strip and replicated plots and transport equipment to locations.
• Collect data: stand counts, vigor, plot ratings, flowering data, plant characteristics, disease notes.
• Maintain plots and apply fertilizer, herbicide, and insecticide as needed.
• Harvest plots and collect agronomic notes; assist with data reporting for Product Development.
• Maintain research equipment and diagnose/repair as needed.
• Assist with warehousing and distribution tasks; support other Beck’s Hybrids operations as directed.
• Supervise interns and full/part-time employees reporting to the Research Associates.
• Work in other areas of Beck’s Hybrids’ operations as directed by the Testing Site Lead.

Skills

Field research

Agronomy basics

Communication skills

Mechanical skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Intermediate level position in the Research Department which we are seeking someone with some basic agriculture and field research knowledge. The main responsibility for this job will be conducting mini‑strip and replicated testing as well as participating in other facets of Beck’s Research Department.

Benefits

• Health benefits including two medical plan options and company HSA contributions, dental, vision, employer paid life/AD&D for you and your dependents, disability insurance, and access to an onsite Nurse Practitioner
• 401k plan match & company sponsored pension plan and access to a Financial Advisor to help you manage your retirement savings
• Paid time off, Paid Holidays, Wellness Programs, & Corporate Discounts
• Company Christmas Party, Free Lunch, Two-Hundred Dollar Merchandise Allowance, & Much More

Responsibilities

• Coordinate plot locations and logistics with plot cooperators
  • Measuring and setting flags
  • Working with cooperators to ensure proper seedbed preparation, fertility program and weed control
• Seed Preparation
  • Prepare seed for mini‑strip and replicated testing
• Planting of mini‑strip and replicated plots
  • Transporting planting equipment to outlying locations
  • Ensuring plots are planted as directed by the Testing Site Lead
• Data Collection
  • Stand counts, early vigor, and plot ratings
  • Flowering data
  • Physical characteristics (Plant and ear heights, etc)
  • Disease evaluation and agronomic notes
• Plot Maintenance
  • Work with cooperators to ensure plots are maintained to Beck’s Hybrids’ standards
  • Apply fertilizer, herbicide, and insecticide as needed
• Plot Harvest
  • Transport harvest equipment to outlying locations
  • Collect fall agronomic notes (stability, plant integrity, etc)
  • Conduct harvest of mini‑strip and replicated plots
• Research Equipment Maintenance
  • Ensure machinery is maintained to Beck’s Hybrids’ standards to minimize downtime
  • Diagnose and make repairs as needed
• Data Reporting
  • Some duties may include reporting notes, harvest data, and preparation of yield reports for Beck’s Product Development Staff
• Warehousing/distribution
  • Inventory incoming shipments
  • Organize and stage outgoing shipments
  • Load/unload trucks as needed
  • Perform seed deliveries as needed
• Aid in isolated corn block, nursery, and winter nursery work
• Supervise full time employees, part time employees, and interns that report to the Research Associates as needed
• Work in other areas of Beck’s Hybrids’ operations as directed by the Testing Site Lead to ensure efficient site operations.

Job Requirements

• Education and training:
• Minimum of high school diploma or GED equivalent, advanced degree preferred
• Class A CDL or the ability to obtain
• Pesticide applicator license or the ability to obtainMust possess and maintain valid driver’s license and insurable driving record as determined by Beck’s automobile insurance policy
• Technical knowledge:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Possess strong agronomic and mechanical skills
• Possess positive attitude
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently, work as a team member, and proceed with objectives without supervision.
• Skill to use personal computer and various software packages
• Physical demands:
• Ability to pass DOT physical examination and obtain Medical Examiner’s Certificate is required
• Overnight travel is required
• Must be able to lift up to 70 pounds unassisted
• Experience:
• Field Research and/or Agriculture experience preferred
• In an effort to provide a safer, drug‑free workplace for employees, all full‑time applicants to whom offers of employment are made must submit to a drug test and background check, subject to applicable local, state, or federal laws or regulations. Employment at Beck's is contingent upon passing these pre‑employment screenings.